AH-64 ● Apache Helicopter Cavalry Charge ● Horse Detachment, 1st Cav Division ● July 2023

Change of Command Ceremony for the outgoing commander Major General John B. Richardson at Cooper Field on July 14, 2023.
Richardson, a 1991 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, leaves the "First Team" after a period of meritorious and selfless service, being a strong proponent of the history and traditions of the 1st Cavalry Division. His unwavering commitment to the Division's mission has guided numerous triumphs and the forging of unbreakable bonds among the Troopers. He leaves the team with his high school sweetheart, Deanie Poitevent, and their two children, Mary Alex and Johnny.
"Two years ago, we laid out a shared vision to build a cohesive team founded on trust that was fit, disciplined, well trained, and viewed with unit pride," said Richardson. "Esprit de corps, along with just a little cavalry panache. Ready to fight anywhere, anytime."
The ceremony included a cavalry charge led by Richardson accompanied by helicopters, presentation of flowers to the spouses, a pass in review, and the singing of "Spirit of the Cav" and the Army Song. The outgoing commanding general also personally sang one of his favorite songs, "I Want to be in the Cavalry," by country and western musician Corb Lund.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I attribute much of the Division's success to the engaged and empathetic leadership of Johnny Richardson," Lt. Gen. Sean C. Bernabe, commanding general of the III Armored Corps and Fort Cavazos. "We've all watched Johnny in action; he is the ultimate team builder. John and Deanie, thank you for your selfless service for the past few years. Well done."

[@McV1llaiN]

These men are true heros. They are the reason i am alive today.. The cav will forever hold a Special place in my heart. Crazyhorse wherever you are brother my 17 year old and 12 year old daughters thank you. For people that don't know the cav is made up of real super heroes who are the reason countless lives were not lost. .-an old thankful guy on the ground..

[@ApacheRanch]

Wow - that’s intense! Cav Troopers thank you for your kind words brother!

[@sveinpedersen7346]

So cool! Thank you. ✌👏🙂

[@robihobby9490]

😁👍 Wunderbar!

[@FuzzyKedama]

That was lit. Air Cav!

[@claudem.p.7969]

Beautiful

[@dudehuh5491]

thats the CAV i love

[@patrykz5630]

That's best armed forces in the world are celebrating 🎂

[@มดดํา-ภ5ต]

ฉันว่าแม้กระทั่งสุดยอดฮอลิคอปเตอร์ก็อาจจะไม่รอดถ้ามันเข้าไปในสงครามยูเครนมันเป็นเรื่องยุ่งยากที่จะพิสูจน์ฝ่ายการโจมตีภาคพื้นดินจากทุกทิศทางต่ออากาศยานความเร็วต่ำเป็นเรื่องอันตราย

[@mostlycloudy3069]

missing the bradleys and abrams

[@ApacheRanch]

I agree! They did had a static display with one of each behind that smoke.

[@RayRayWasAGoodBoy]

Horses are so confused 😅

[@ApacheRanch]

One of the horses (in fact, the first one on the charge) retired after this ceremony. He had been working in the troop for over 20 years. They said he had performed in over 1,000 charges like this one. Amazing animals.

[@RayRayWasAGoodBoy]

@@ApacheRanch oh wow, so not confused at all, I bet he probably misses doing these performances with all the attention he gets and his friends. Amazing animals indeed.

[@dustyroad4361]

That was very nice, but what about protecting our Borders???

[@TheRubiconInMe]

shut up